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Edinburgh

Edinburgh is Scotland's capital city and a global icon. The list of world-famous attractions is impressive: Edinburgh Castle, the joint World Heritage Sites of the Old and New Towns, Edinburgh Zoo, The Royal Mile, Arthur's Seat... and the list goes on. Nowhere else in Scotland comes close to its breathtaking architecture, and there's a depth of history here that larger Glasgow can only dream of. And Edinburgh's striking cityscape seems in perfect harmony with the spectacular natural landscape. Extinct volcanoes are everywhere, making up a number of the city's legendary seven hills and rising 251 metres above sea level at rocky Arthur's Seat. It's easy to forget that Edinburgh has expanded to reach the ocean too, with Portobello Beach and the Port of Leith both only a short bus ride from the centre. The city does feel like it's owned by tourists at times - particularly during summer. And for a few weeks during August, fervour reaches new heights with the world-renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe - the largest arts festival anywhere on the globe. Despite all this, exploring this so-called Athens of the North is always a hugely rewarding experience. You'd need a full week (or more) to visit the full list of sights below, divided for convenience into Old Town, New Town and The Rest.

[Edinburgh Castle (July 2013)]

Name: Edinburgh ★★★★★Location (Princes Street / Waverley Bridge): G.R.: NT 257739 / games credit socialAnything else? Parking in the city centre is awkward (and expensive except at weekends, when there are some free streets) - it's best to explore by foot, bus or tram.

Name: Gladstone's Land★★★☆☆Description: Typical Royal Mile tenement block, once home to the merchant Thomas Gledstane (Gladstone) - a chance to discover what the Old Town really used to be like in the seventeenth century.Location: 477B Lawnmarket, Royal Mile, 10-min walk south of the centre, G.R.: NT 255736 / rang churn headOpen (2017): Most days over the summer and shoulder seasons (see website), but must be booked in advance.Cost (2017): £7 (adults), £5 (children), free for National Trust for Scotland members

Name: Greyfriar's Kirk★★☆☆☆Description: 17th century Old Town church (with major alterations) with unusual, yellow-harled exterior, where famous Skye terrier Greyfriars Bobby is said to have loyally guarded his dead master's grave for fourteen years until he too passed away.Location: Greyfriars Place, 10-min walk south of the centre, G.R.: NT 256733 / duke chest asksOpen (2017): Monday to Saturday, April to OctoberCost: Free

Name: Museum of Childhood★★★☆☆Description: A 5-floor nostalgia trip showcasing historic toys and games.Location: 42 High Street, Royal Mile, 10-min walk south-east of the centre, G.R.: NT 261737 / amuse decide forgotOpen (2017): Thursday to MondayCost: FreeName: Museum of Edinburgh★★★☆☆Description: Smallish and quiet given the important-sounding name, but a good place to start...Location: 142 Canongate, Royal Mile, 15-min walk east of the centre, G.R.: NT 265738 / punchy needed visitOpen (2017): Thursday to MondayCost: FreeName: Museum on the Mound★★★☆☆Description: Small, unusual, modern museum about the history of money - usually nice and quiet.Location: The Mound, 5-min walk south of the centre, G.R.: NT 256737 / smiled fuel nationOpen (2017): Tuesday to Sunday (plus, ironically, bank holidays)Cost: FreeName: National Museum of Scotland★★★★★Description: Scotland's most popular visitor attraction (in 2016) and its biggest and best museum, detailing the country's long history - large enough to spend a whole day in!Location: Chambers Street, 10-min walk south of the centre, G.R.: NT 258733 / dizzy modern unionsOpen (2017): DailyCost: Free

Name: The People's Story Museum★★★☆☆Description: The history of Edinburgh from the perspective of "ordinary" residents.Location: 163 Canongate, Royal Mile, 15-min walk east of the centre, G.R.: NT 264738 / fields closer laterOpen (2017): Wednesday to SundayCost: Free

Name: Scotch Whisky Experience★★★★☆Description: Excellent and interactive introduction to whisky and the closest you can get to visiting a (whisky) distillery without leaving the city; includes a "ride" in replica barrels and the world's largest whisky collection!Location: 354 Castlehill, Royal Mile, 10-min walk south of the centre, G.R.: NT 254735 / twigs horn singsOpen (2017): DailyCost (2017): £15+ (adults) depending on tour type, £7.50 (children)

Name: Georgian House★★★☆☆Description: Late 18th century New Town mansion, in total contrast to the squalor of eighteenth century Edinburgh Old Town.Location: 7 Charlotte Square, 15-min walk west of the centre, G.R.: NT 246739 / pumps poet harpOpen (2017): Daily, March to November; Thursday to Sunday, early DecemberCost (2017): £7.50 (adults), £6 (children), free for National Trust for Scotland members

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